Admissions and Placement

The Open Door

In keeping with its philosophy of putting postsecondary education within the reach of all citizens, Chesapeake College has adopted an Open Door admissions policy. Regular admission will be granted to any student beyond the age of compulsory school attendance.  Students not beyond the age of compulsory school attendance may be admitted in special categories (such as Dual Enrollment for high school students or the Gifted and Talented Program) as approved by the Chesapeake College Board of Trustees.

Admissions Procedure

Applications for admission may be obtained from the following sources:

• The College’s Website at www.chesapeake.edu
• The Office of Admissions
• The Office of Registration

Students who have questions with regard to the admissions process or who would like to schedule a visit to the College should contact the Office of Admissions. Students should take the following steps to complete the application process:

1. Submit an online admissions application before the semester when admission is desired.

Applicants need to request that copies of the following official documents be forwarded to the Office of Registration and Records:

• High school graduates: submit an official copy of your secondary school transcript.
• General Equivalency Diploma (GED) students: request that a copy of your test results be mailed from the appropriate State Department of Education.
• Students who have attended other colleges, forward an official transcript from each college attended to the Office of Registration, Attn.: Registrar. (Note: Transfer credits are not normally posted on the student’s academic record until 15 credits have been earned at Chesapeake.)

Please also forward ACT, SAT, AP and CLEP scores to the College’s Office of Registration and Records.

2. Take the College’s Accuplacer Assessment at the Testing Center, unless exempt (see requirements in this section for exemption information). This test helps academic advisors place students in courses that are appropriate to the student’s academic and career goals. For additional information, please contact the Office of Student Success and Enrollment Services or the Testing Center.
3. Meet with an academic advisor to discuss career options and course scheduling by calling the Office of Student Success and Enrollment Services.

NOTE: Additional admissions requirements and procedures may apply to programs in Allied Health fields. See specific program pages in the Catalog for details.

NOTE: Submission of incomplete or false information by the student may be cause for denial of admission or dismissal from Chesapeake College.

Student Assessment and Placement

Chesapeake College is committed to the success of our students. To help students begin reaching their goals, the College offers an assessment instrument called ACCUPLACER. This instrument is used to measure entry-level skills in mathematics, language, and reading; the results of which allow academic advisors to assist students with the selection of courses.

No student will be denied admission as a result of test scores. However, if you are required to complete the ACCUPLACER as a condition of enrollment, and if your test scores indicate a need for skill development, you will be required to complete the appropriate developmental courses.

The purpose of this section is to provide you with answers to questions you may have concerning Chesapeake College’s assessment and course placement policies and procedures. If you need additional information, please contact the Office of Student Success.

Requirements to Take the ACCUPLACER Assessment

All entering students are required to take the ACCUPLACER Assesment in order to ensure accurate course placement. Under certain conditions, students may have the requirement waived or delayed:

1. Students with minimum SAT scores of 550 each on the critical reading and mathematics portions or a minimum composite ACT score of 21 are exempted from the ACCUPLACER Assessment with official documentation.

NOTE: Unofficial scores may be used and must be submitted to an advisor at the time of advisement. Official scores must be presented to registration to be awarded credit.

2. Students completing appropriate math and English courses at another accredited institution are exempted from the ACCUPLACER Assessment with official documentation.

NOTE: Unofficial college transcripts may be used for this purpose; however,  for prior college-level course work to be accepted for transfer credit at Chesapeake College, official transcripts must be submitted to the Office of Registration.

Visiting Students

Students currently enrolled at another college or university, who do not intend to pursue a degree or certificate at Chesapeake College, may be exempt from the assessment requirement. In order to establish visiting student status, the student must submit a letter of good standing from the home institution. The letter should specify the course(s) the student will be permitted to take at Chesapeake that will apply toward the degree at the home institution.

Reassessment Policy

You may retake any portion of the ACCUPLACER Assessment. A payment of $10 per assessment (or $25 for the entire assessment) should be paid to the Business Office prior to retaking the assessment. (Note: Retaking the assessment does not typically yield results substantially different from initial scores.)

Course Placement Policy

Your ACCUPLACER scores will be used to help you and your advisor place you in the appropriate courses based upon your academic needs and load. Students with placement scores below college ready must begin their developmental coursework in their first semester.

Advising

New degree- and certificate-seeking students must meet with an advisor in the Office of Student Success. Returning degree- and certificate-seeking students are encouraged to meet with their assigned advisor for advisement assistance and review.

To ensure academic success, at 45 credits, students are required to complete a Program Progress Review (PPR) with an academic advisor in the Office of Student Success and Enrollment Services.

Advanced Placement

Chesapeake College subscribes to the philosophy that the placement function of the College includes helping students to accumulate past experiences, identify the state of their educational development, and move toward their goals at the most efficient and rapid rate possible. Advanced standing is the administrative placement of a student beyond the basic or first course(s) in a curriculum, allowing college credit for subject matter and other appropriate training upon the submission of evidence showing previous academic study or achievement of course objectives through examination.

All credit awarded through the following means is posted to the student’s academic record. Students who have audited or failed a course at any accredited institution of higher education are not eligible for the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) or Credit by Exam in that subject area. Also, students who have enrolled in a course in a particular subject area are not eligible for CLEP or Credit by Exam in that course.

NOTE: Chesapeake College does not award credit based upon course work completed through International Baccalaureate (IB).

Advanced standing may be granted to students who successfully complete requirements of any of the following:

1. College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
   The College participates in the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) as a means of assessing and awarding credit for knowledge obtained through prior experience or course work taken at non-accredited institutions. CLEP is also a means of evaluating post-high school learning experiences, education through employment, and skills gained through the Armed Services. Students are advised to review the CLEP policies of the institutions to which they expect to transfer. Information regarding CLEP tests and fees may be obtained from the Testing Center. Chesapeake offers CLEP examinations only for courses which parallel those found in the College Catalog. A current list of CLEP examinations for which Chesapeake College will grant credit is listed in this Catalog or can be obtained from the Testing Center.
    

2. Military Course Credit
   Credit may be issued for military technical courses which are listed for credit in A GUIDE TO THE EVALUATION OF EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES IN THE ARMED SERVICES from the American Council on Education, Washington, D.C. (latest edition), and the recommendation of the Commission on Accreditation of Service Experiences. Credit will be granted by the Office of Registration and Records according to the recommendation in the Guide and from the Council on Education. Courses taken through the United States Armed Forces Institute, regardless of mode of study, may transfer at face value. A percentile of 20 or above is required.
   Students who are active military may submit an original DD 295, an official AARTS, an official Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript, or an official Sailor/Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART).
   Students who are no longer active military or who have been discharged may bring in their original DD 214 from which the Records and Registration office will make a copy or an official Community College of the Air Force transcript (CCAF).
3. Advanced Placement Examinations
   Credit will be awarded for scores of three, four, or five on the Advanced Placement Examinations of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB).

4. Credit by Institutional Examination
   A student may be permitted to earn full credit for a course or courses by taking special examinations. Upon approval of the appropriate Dean and the Vice President for Academic Affairs, a student may apply for credit by institution exam. Credit by institutional examination will be granted only for courses that are not available through CLEP (see Item A). A non-refundable application fee of one-half the current tuition rate per credit hour will be assessed for each course petitioned, payable at the time the application is filed. The exam must be completed within 10 weeks of the application. A grade of “C” is the minimum requirement for credit to be awarded. Credit will not be granted for any courses previously audited or attempted.
5. Credit for Experiential Learning
   Students may seek credit for experiential learning through the College’s portfolio development process. Students may register for CPL 101, Portfolio Development, in order to receive instruction in developing a portfolio that describes and documents college-level learning gained through non-college experience. Focus is on defining goals, correlating experiential learning with course content, and documenting learning gained through experience. Independent evaluators assess completed portfolios for the possible award of credit which can be applied to any degree or certificate program of study. A maximum of 15 credits can be awarded through this process. All credit is held in abeyance and posted to the student’s record only after he/she has completed 15 semester hours in residence at Chesapeake College with at least a 2.0 grade point average. Credit will not be granted for any course previously audited or attempted. A portfolio assessment fee applies.
6. Credit by Other Approved Examinations
   The College may give credit for demonstrated proficiency as related to college-level courses. Sources used to determine such proficiency are: Defense Activity for Non-traditional Education Support (DANTES); United States Armed Forces Institute (USAFI); Office of Education Credit and Credentials of the American Council on Education (ACE) and National Crypto-Logic School (NCS). Credit may also be accepted for courses the American Council on Education (ACE) has reviewed and recommended for credit. This includes ‘The Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services” and “The National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Providers”. Additionally, credit may be awarded for work completed for approved certifications (ex. CCNA).

Note: No more than one-half of the number of credits normally required for graduation may be earned by satisfactorily passing approved examinations. Of this, no more than 15 credits may be based on examinations developed by the institution and on portfolio assessments.

Transfer Information

Special transfer policies have been developed by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) for community college students transferring to other Maryland public institutions of higher education. By state agreement, all General Education courses satisfactorily completed will transfer to fulfill General Education requirements at receiving institutions. The MHEC policy also allows for uninterrupted progress of the student from one institution to another with maximum transferal of college-level credits assured. Also, students are governed by the same academic rules and regulations as apply to native students at the intended transfer college or university within the state.

Students should see a transfer advisor early in their academic program to be certain the maximum number of credits will transfer to the four-year college of choice. While there are designated transfer programs of study at Chesapeake College, certain elective courses may be more appropriate for transfer given the requirements of the intended institution. Additionally, most four-year schools have a limit on the total number of credits acceptable for transfer.

Since the process of transferring can be confusing, Chesapeake provides the student with many transfer services. The College Catalog is available online. Applications, scholarship information, and other resources are available through the Office of Student Success or on the Web. A computerized information system, ARTSYS, lists specific course requirements for each of the University of Maryland System institutions. Students planning to transfer should consult ARTSYS and/or a transfer advisor. Additionally, an on-campus Transfer Day is held each October, affording students the opportunity to speak directly with four-year college representatives.

Finally, it should be noted that receiving institutions determine how courses transfer. Chesapeake makes every effort to maintain current and accurate transfer information. However, it is the student’s responsibility to meet the transfer requirements of the receiving institution. Therefore, students are encouraged to verify information with the intended receiving institution. It is always a wise decision to take advantage of the assistance available through transfer counseling because accurate advising can help make the transfer transition easier.

Articulation Agreements

ARTSYS, at http://artweb.usmd.edu, is an online data information system created to help students from Maryland community colleges transfer to the University System of Maryland and other participating four-year institutions. Through ARTSYS, Chesapeake College maintains transfer agreements with the following colleges and universities:

• Bowie State University
• Capitol College
• College of Notre Dame of Maryland
• Coppin State University
• Frostburg State University
• Goucher College
• Hood College
• Johns Hopkins University, School of Professional Studies
• McDaniel College
• Morgan State University
• Mount Saint Mary’s University
• Saint Mary’s College of Maryland
• Salisbury University
• Stevenson University
• Towson University
• University of Baltimore
• University of Maryland Baltimore
• University of Maryland Baltimore County
• University of Maryland College Park
• University of Maryland Eastern Shore
• University of Maryland University College
• Washington College
• Wilmington University

For State policies regarding transfer see Addendum, Appendix 1  of this Catalog. It has been agreed that all General Education courses will transfer as general education to any of our Maryland State colleges and universities.

Other Articulation Agreements

Students with an Associate’s Degree may be eligible to complete a Bachelor’s Degree at the Eastern Shore Higher Education Center, http://www.chesapeake.edu/eshec/programs.asp , through the following universities:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work – Salisbury University
• Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education – Salisbury University
• Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice - University of Maryland University College
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration – University of Maryland University College
• RN to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing Degree - Stevenson University

Transfer of Credit

Students must complete all admissions procedures and submit original transcripts from all institutions previously attended before transfer credits from other institutions will be evaluated. Transcripts for students in non-degree seeking majors will be evaluated when a major is declared.

Transfer credit documents go through the Records and Registration office, which reviews courses on an individual basis, based on the declared major. When evaluating transcripts, Chesapeake considers the institution where the course was taken, the date completed, department number course title and grade in deciding whether credit will transfer and if the course will be designated as a specific Chesapeake equivalency or an elective. In some cases, the official course description will need to be reviewed. Upon request, the student will need to provide the official college catalog from previously attended institutions or course information from that institution. Only those courses/credits that fulfill program requirements or prerequisites will be transferred.

Credit may transfer from institutions that are regionally accredited by a commission on higher education. To verify accreditation, Chesapeake uses ‘Transfer Credit Practices of Designated Educational Institutions’ published by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. Chesapeake recognizes the following regional accreditation associations:

• Middle State Association of Colleges and Schools (MS)
• New England Association of Colleges and Schools (NE)
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NC)
• Northwest Association of Colleges and Schools (NW)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SA)
• Western Association of Colleges and Schools (WA)

Credit may not be accepted from schools that are candidates for regional accreditation and not fully accredited. This includes institutions regionally accredited by a commission on occupational education.

Credit may transfer if the institution is legally authorized to grant standard college degrees and is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education. The College may award credit based upon course equivalencies, expected learning outcomes and applicability to the College’s curricula, standards and course offerings. The College’s Transfer Credit Policy is in compliance with COMAR 13B.02.02.16.

Courses reviewed and recommended by the American Council of Education may also transfer. For more information, see Addendum, Appendix 1 , Student Transfer Policies, Transfer of Non-traditional Credits.

If the student’s cumulative grade point average from the previous institution is less than a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, Chesapeake will review only courses with a grade of C or better for transfer credit. If a student has less than a 2.0 GPA from a regionally accredited Maryland public institution and then transfers to Chesapeake, credit will be accepted for general education courses in which the student earned a grade of D.

Chesapeake will convert courses taken at institutions that operate on the quarter system to term credit hours if the credits transfer. Quarter hours are multiplied by two-thirds to equal term credit hours and rounded down to the nearest whole number.

Applying Credits Toward Graduation

Students must earn a minimum of 16 credits toward an associate degree and 25 percent of the credits required for a certificate at Chesapeake College.

Note: Chesapeake College reserves the right to award students all academic credentials earned, including certificates and degrees.

See Appendix 1 , for Maryland Higher Education Commission Student Transfer Policies.

Admission of International Students and Non-U.S. Citizens

Chesapeake College is committed to responding to the educational needs of the community. The College invites individuals to apply who are United States citizens, permanent immigrants to the United States, and citizens of other countries who are temporarily working, visiting, or studying in the Mid-Shore service region.

Permanent Resident Status

Chesapeake College will accept applications from individuals with an Alien Registration Receipt Card (Green Card). Those who have been granted permanent residence in the United States as an immigrant, refugee, or alien may enroll for full- or part-time study.

Tuition costs are determined by location and length of residence. Verification of permanent residence status is required at the time of application. Any student without appropriate identification as a permanent resident will be required to pay out-of-state rates.

To apply as a student with a permanent residence status, please submit in person:

• A signed application for admission
• Proof of permanent resident status: the actual Alien Registration Receipt Card (Green Card), which will be copied by an Admissions or Student Success Office staff member and immediately returned to the applicant

Admission of International Students with a Student Visa (F-1)

Non-immigrant, international students who apply to Chesapeake College must meet special admission requirements.

Students who apply to come to the United States for the purpose of studying at Chesapeake College may be issued an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility form after completing the following requirements:

• File an application for admission: Deadlines are June 1 for the fall semester and November 1 for the spring semester.
• If non-native, English speaking, pass the TOEFL (test of English as a Foreign Language) with a minimum score of 500 on the paper test, 173 on the computerized test, or 61 on the Internet-based test. The test results must be sent directly to Chesapeake College (Office of Admissions) and must be on file before the student can be accepted.
• Send English translation of all official academic transcripts. All official transcripts must be translated into English by an international credential evaluation organization. Chesapeake College recommends the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) – www.aacrao.org or World Education Service (WES) – www.wes.org.
• Secure a local sponsor to provide housing, meals, and transportation. The sponsor should be a relative or other responsible individual.
• Provide official evidence of financial support (Form I-134) for one year. The student and sponsor must also document how the student will be supported for the remaining years in the program.
• Provide local address of residence upon entry into the United States.
• An F-1 student transferring to Chesapeake College must also submit a copy of the I-20 form, official transcripts, and a letter stating that he or she is in good standing from the previous institution.

All of the above requirements must be met before an I-20 form can be completed. Students admitted in this way must enroll full-time for a minimum of 12 credits/load hours each semester. Students with an F-1 visa will be charged out-of-state tuition rates and can seek work only after approval from the U.S. Immigration Office. Students are required to take the Academic Skills Assessment (ASA) test and must arrive in sufficient time to do so prior to the start of the semester.

Chesapeake College is a non-residential institution and students are responsible for finding their own housing and transportation.

International students are not eligible for federal and state financial aid.

Students with Other Types of Visas

Prospective students with a temporary visa status such as J or B (visitors, business, exchange, etc.) should contact the Office of Admissions to have their applications approved before registering for classes. Non-immigrant students other than F-1 international student visa holders may take as many credit courses as their college admission status permits, as long as the term begins and ends within the duration of stay indicated on the I-94 in their passport.

Tuition costs are subject to the out-of-state tuition rates. Refunds will not be issued after the term’s scheduled drop dates.

Students with Undocumented Citizenship Status

Students with undocumented citizenship status must meet the following enrollment criteria:

• Must have graduated from a high school (public or private) or must have earned the equivalent General Education Diploma (GED) in the United States.
• If wishing to participate in the high school dual enrollment program must be attending a high school (public or private) in one of the College’s five support counties (Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s or Talbot).
• Must submit an Enrollment Request Form including a signed statement affirming that the student has met all of the requirements outlined above. Information obtained in this process is strictly confidential and will not be disclosed unless required by law.

Students with undocumented citizenship status are subject to the out-of-state tuition rates and are not eligible for federal or state financial aid. Dual Enrollment students with undocumented citizenship status will be charged in-county tuition rates.

Dream Act Students

As an open-admission institution, Chesapeake College grants admission to all students regardless of citizenship. Maryland Senate Bill 167 provides the opportunity for some non-U.S. citizens who attended public or private high school in Maryland for at least three years to receive in-state tuition. In order to qualify for this exemption, students must meet the following requirements:

•    Provide tax documents showing that the parents or legal guardian has filed a MD income tax return annually during and after high school enrollment.
•    Must have graduated from a high school (public or private or must have earned the equivalent General Education Diploma (GED) in the United States.  
•    To receive in-county rates the student must have graduated from a high school in Chesapeake College’s five county service region and register within four years of graduation.
•    If wishing to participate in the high school dual enrollment program must be attending a high school (public or private) in one of the College’s five support counties (Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s or Talbot).
•    Must submit an Enrollment Request Form including a signed statement affirming that the student has met all of  the requirements outlined above. Information obtained in this process is strictly confidential and will not be disclosed unless required by law.
•    Provide proof of selective service registration

For additional information regarding these requirements go to http://www.chesapeake.edu/admissions/dreamactelig.asp Students with undocumented citizenship status are subject to the out-of-state tuition rates and are not eligible for federal or state financial aid.